Pic(s) of the Day

This time next week the Arnold Classic will be coming to its conclusion, the first event of the IFBB calendar for the year. Of course the IFBB events aren't the only events worth following, and IFBB pro women aren't the only competitors who deserve our love, but as a curtain raiser to the new competitive year it'll do very nicely, and FMS fave Gillian Ward - for one - seems to be gearing up very nicely indeed.



Bet you can't wait to see those vascular pumped up bad boys of hers all slathered in tan and oil and trying to break on out through the fabric of her posing suit now, can you?

Bet Gillian can't wait to be up there showing them off!

All over the world there are pros and amateurs alike counting down to their first comps of the year. We might have to wait a bit longer than we used to in the days before the dumping of the Ms International for the really big girls to strut their stuff. But in 2016 we don't have as long to wait as we did in 2015 (89 days and counting till Puerto Rico, May 27th-28th, bravo - once again - to Wings of Strength) but there's going to be plenty of Gillian-like freaky muscle-in-prep to feast on while-u-wait.


Nicky Foord

Enjoy! (I know I will)

Winners of 2014: Part Two

WBPF International Austrian Championships (Bodybuilding)
OANA HREAPCA


Her absness cropped up this year at the World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Federation's Austrian Championships and (I think) found herself in a field of one. However, she didn't seem to mind and looked as thick and gorgeous as ever.





Watch a man who can't help himself

NPC North Carolina State (Class B & Overall Physique)
IFBB North American Championships (Class B Open & Over 35 Masters Physique)
GILLIAN WARD


Former gymnast, dancer and martial artist Gillian Ward has had quite a first year as a Physique competitor. I am intensely driven and truly believe that I am capable of anything that I put my mind to, she says. Well, believe! She won her first ever contest in April, and by the end of August had won open and over 35 classes at the North Americans and was promptly awarded her pro card. I know nothing other than being strong, says Gillian, in reference to her athletic achievements both past and present. I very much enjoy it. Being strong makes me feel capable and empowered.






Watch Gillian's gymnastic fantastic routine


IFBB Brazilian Championships (Bodybuilding)
IFBB South American Championships (Bodybuilding)
SELMA LABAT


The next Brazilian female muscle sensation off the rank, Selma Labat also graduated to the pros in 2014. We haven't been able to find too many images of Selma's triumphs, but we have managed to find her routine from the Brazilian Championships.



Follow this glorious woman on Facebook


NAC Universe (Physique)
MONIA GIOIOSA


Isn't it good to know that somewhere there's a federation where hardcore female muscle is still appreciated? The NAC judges its "Physique" women on muscular development, muscular proportions, symmetry of development, and muscular definition, allowing the biggest hardest woman to win every time. Monia Gioiosa was that big hard woman in 2011 and 2012, and won for the third time this year.






Watch Monia's surprisingly (?) graceful winning routine


IFBB North American Championships (Class D Over 35 Physique)
TWANA BARNETT-FERGUSON


She's a loving wife, a Krav Maga expert, a rare beauty and now an IFBB Physique pro. Twana caught our attention earlier in the year and has held it tight ever since. Has there been a woman in 2014 who has enjoyed her stage experience more than TBF?






Marvel at her muscular beauty on Instagram


IFBB Tampa Pro (Bodybuilding)
SHEILA BLECK


She'd been MIA since 2012, so it was great to see the legendary Sheila Bleck return to competition in 2014, bringing her trademarks - incredible conditioning and the captivating artistry of her posing - back with her. She won the Tampa Pro and consequently qualified for her fourth Ms Olympia, where she finished 7th.






Watch Sheila's post-win interview


Enjoy!